AvidXchange launches Tech Rising initiative to bridge digital divide

By Pavithra R

AvidXchange, a leading provider of automating invoice and payment processes for mid-market businesses, has announced the launch of Tech Rising, an initiative spearheaded by the AvidXchange Foundation to remove hurdles to technology education and resources for youth and young adults.

Through the initiative, AvidXchange Foundation is bridging the digital divide in Charlotte by providing tools and opportunities to middle and high school students, including the STEAM and essential skills programming necessary to succeed in a digital world.

Corporate partners like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Microsoft, recognizing the importance of providing a community solution, are also joining the Tech Rising mission to equip youth with the technology, education, and access needed to launch successful technology careers.

“Removing barriers to technology education and careers starts as part of a student’s education long before submitting a resume or filling out a college application. Through the AvidXchange Foundation, we are chipping away at the technology barriers to bridge the digital divide and help create economic mobility for youth and young adults in our community,” said Michael Praeger, CEO, and Co-Founder of AvidXchange.

Over the next 3 years, AvidXchange is committed to closing the technology gap in Charlotte by distributing refurbished laptops with internet access to 5,000 students, helping 8,000 students in Title I high schools develop critical career skills and working with 16,000 students in Title I middle schools to provide STEAM curriculum. The AvidXchange Foundation partners with organizations that share its mission, including Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D), Charlotte Area Technology Collaborative, Road to Hire, Junior Achievement, Out Teach, and Digi-Bridge.

“Collaborating with businesses like AvidXchange has helped us close the digital gap for more than 7,000 families since 2013. Providing laptops and tech education is only the beginning – we’re leading a larger conversation around the impact of digital exclusion in our community,” said Pat Millen, founder, and executive director, E2D.

Founded in 2015, AvidXchange Foundation was initially formed to help elementary school children impacted by hurricane Katrina. Since then, the foundation has continued to grow to positively influence youth in the communities where AvidXchange employees work and live.